Pippa Heylings Budget Response

Local Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire, Pippa Heylings, has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, and provide certainty for the future of the Cambridge Cancer Hospital.

Pippa Heylings MP said she will “hold the government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS. She added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people the care they need.

Responding to the Budget, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire said:

“I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our local health services so I’m glad the Chancellor has finally listened, but I will hold the government's feet to the fire on this as I know it is a top priority for residents in South Cambridgeshire.

“Sadly the government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care. We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis so that older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.

“I am also very concerned about the impact of the government’s increase to Employer’s National Insurance, which is a tax on jobs that will hit our small businesses and high streets. The government should instead be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more.”

“While we welcome the extra NHS funding set out today, it’s disappointing not to see a new and clear plan for the Cambridge Cancer Hospital. The government cannot drag its heels on such a vital issue, local patients have been left waiting far too long.

“I also have serious concerns about plans that will see bus fares hiked to £3.00. This is an unfair bus tax on people in rural parts of South Cambridgeshire who depend on their local bus services to get around.

“I know many people in communities like ours rely on buses to travel to work and go about their everyday lives. This is simply the wrong choice. If the government was serious about investing in the economy and tackling the cost of living crisis they would think again.

“People are fed up with years of broken promises from the Conservatives. What we need now is a government that stands up for our NHS, delivers our new and much needed Cancer Hospital, and looks out for people who depend on our public transport during a time of rising cost of living. The Chancellor can do better than this.”